Peters given Northamptonshire benefit for 2013

Northamptonshire batsman Stephen Peters has been rewarded for his service to the club with a benefit season in 2013.

The former Essex and Worcestershire player, who was also an Under-19 World Cup winner in a side also containing Graeme Swann and Richard Logan, arrived at Wantage Road in 2006 since when he has played in 108 first-class matches for the County scoring over 7000 runs at an average of 40.9.

Peters said: “I’m absolutely delighted and it’s a very proud moment for me.

“All my thanks go to Northants Cricket for awarding me this great honour for 2013.

“Hopefully, everyone can see the hard work I’ve put in and hopefully I have many more years with the County ahead of me.

“I’d love to be part of a team that wins some silverware too.

“Overall, I’m chuffed to bits. Next year is going to a good one.

“It will be a lot of hard work but I hope to put on some great events everyone can enjoy.”

Northants Cricket chief executive David Smith added: “I am personally delighted that Stephen has been awarded a much-deserved benefit year in 2013.

“This reflects his outstanding contribution to the game since he made his first-class debut in 1996.”

“He is a very popular member of the dressing-room and has a big contribution to make towards Northants cricket over the coming years.”